Blue Ridge ESOP Associates Information

Founded in 1988, Blue Ridge ESOP Associates delivers the highest quality ESOP and 401(k) Administration services in the industry. We work with clients in a diverse spectrum of industries and with plans ranging in size from 15 to over 17,000 employees. We exceed client expectations through personal attention, a proactive, team-oriented approach, and a focus on timeliness and technological innovation. Our supportive, challenging environment fosters respect, integrity and professional growth among our staff. Our mission is to be the ESOP and 401(k) Administration firm of choice. Our experienced administrators handle all recordkeeping and reporting requirements, including Internal Revenue Code compliance testing, individual participant recordkeeping, preparation of Forms 5500 and 1099-R, trust accounting for the ESOP Trust, and combined plan testing. We assist in preparing for repurchase obligation, inform and advise concerning new laws and regulations, and provide guidance in dealing with non- compliance issues. As a full-service TPA, we also offer employee communications services to help employees fully understand and appreciate the benefits of their ESOP. Blue Ridge has developed an online tool – ESOPConnection™ – that can be customized to help with employee inquiries, financial planning and benefits management related to ESOPs. ESOPConnection™ can be designed to function as a part of a corporate web site or intranet. Clients can post documents, forms, newsletters and other relevant information to ESOPConnection™, enabling employees to obtain the Plan information they need without taking up staff time. This tool also allows a designated internal point of contact to view participant information for all employees, such as individual account activity and balances.